Tenn. Gun Rally Interrupted After Police Arrest Man Carrying AR-15

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A peaceful pro-Second Amendment rally in Nashville, Tenn., hit a bit of a snag after a man showed up with a loaded AR-15, forcing police to arrest him on the spot.

“Organizers often request that people who show up to rallies leave their weapons at home, but one man didn’t get that message and now faces a misdemeanor,” WSMV reports.

“Troopers arrested Reggie Robertson of Byrdstown for carrying an AR-15 as about 100 people gathered to express their concern about the proposals in Washington to limit semiautomatic assault rifles and high-capacity magazines,” the report adds.

“The state troopers are doing their job, and while it’s legal to carry a gun around, it does upset some people so it’s best to keep it hid, I think,” attendee Jeff Quinn told reporters.

Robertson had attached a loaded magazine to the rifle and had two more clipped to his belt, the Tennessee Highway Patrol said.

“While permit holders are allowed to carry handguns on the Plaza, the THP said it’s unlawful to carry a loaded rifle in public places,” the report explains. “The man was cited for unlawful carrying and possession of a weapon, which is a misdemeanor.”

“Robertson … must appear for booking on March 4. He was a valid handgun permit holder, and this is his first offense,” the report adds.

Despite the minor mishap, the rally continued as protesters expressed their thoughts on the issue of gun control.

“I just feel as an American citizen if I have the right to life, I have the right to defend my life with the best tools available to me,” one protestor, James Anderson, told reporters.

“I realized kind of one night when I thought there was someone in my house – and thankfully there wasn’t – but that was the night I realized the scissors by my bed would do no good,” said Ellie Lentz.